Since its introduction in 1977, the BMW 7 series has been synonymous with style, luxury, cutting-edge technology, and performance in the executive sedan segment. The German manufacturer’s flagship sedan has stood the test of time (To be fair, it has passed the test with flying colours).
However, the electrification of the automobile industry came as a challenge for the makers of this timeless machine. The demand was simple: the EVs were here, and BMW had to figure out how to make an all-electric variant without losing the X-factor that makes the BMW 7 series special.
The answer that the people at BMW came up with was the BMW i7! An all-electric, super-powerful sedan with first-class comfort, aimed at redefining the premium EV segment. But does it achieve what it aims at? How does the BMW i7 compare with its competitors? Let’s unpack all with our contribution to the long list of BMW i7 reviews.
BMW i7 Interior and Exterior
Even as an all-electric vehicle, the BMW i7 retains all the charm of a luxury limousine that the 7 series is known for. Let’s start exploring the EV, starting with the exterior and the BMW i7 interior.
How Are Things On The Outside?
The upper daytime running light strips are adorned with Swarovski crystals, giving it a futuristic yet premium appearance.
The iconic BMW kidney grille in the i7 is even more prominent, making it an EV that cannot be ignored.
The ‘Dynamic Light Carpet’ feature illuminates the ground around the car when a passenger approaches or enters the vehicle, making for a memorable welcome experience.
Despite being a large and luxurious sedan, the i7 boasts aerodynamic efficiency in performance with an impressive ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.24.
The frameless windows in the i7 masterfully complement the sedan’s sleek and futuristic look.
How Are Things On The Inside?
Starting on the inside, the BMW i7 features the Panoramic Sky Lounge Roof that extends across the entirety of the roof. It also comes with dynamic LED lighting and multi-colour customization options for ambient lighting.
The smallest of buttons inside the i7 look premium, and the free-flowing use of leather complements the interior’s design language.
Taking passenger comfort and convenience to a whole new level, the rear seats in the BMW i7 recline up to 42.5 degrees.
BMW i7 Safety, Infotainment & Convenience
In terms of its appearance and feel, the BMW i7 interior and other aspects lay a powerful claim for redefining the luxury EV segment and continuing the BMW 7 series legacy. Now, let’s move to its safety, convenience, and tech features.
BMW i7 Safety Features
First of all, the BMW i7 ensures top-tier safety with a 5-star Euro NCAP Rating.
The i7 features adaptive cruise control with Level 2+ Autonomous Driving.
It allows for hands-free driving, thanks to steering assistance and active lane-keeping features.
The Intersection Collision Warning and Evasive Aid bolster the i7’s preventive features repertoire.
BMW i7 Infotainment and Connectivity
The BMW i7 electric offers a theatre screen experience to rear passengers with its 31.3-inch 8K Screen that drops from the roof. So, the backseat becomes a mini-cinema!
The back doors have 5.5-inch touchscreens integrated into them that allow passengers to control window and roof blinds, ambient lighting, rear seat settings, and more.
The BMW i7 comes with the Standard Bowers & Wilkins system with 18 speakers and 655W output along with an optional upgrade to a whopping 35 speakers and 1965W output.
A 14.9-inch touchscreen, the BMW Interaction bar, stretches across the dashboard and enables seamless control for lighting and climate.
Operating on a standard BMW Operating System 8.0, the BMW i7 in India can be upgraded to the 8.5 with the M70 xDrive.
BMW i7 Comfort and Convenience
Equipped with a fragrance diffuser, the i7 comes with 4-zone automatic climate control.
The 5.5-inch touchscreen on the doors offers enhanced control to passengers.
The BMW i7 electric offers ventilated seats, along with heating and massaging features.
Gesture control sunblinds and soft-close doors add to the sheer luxury that the BMW i7 electric provides.
BMW i7 Power and Performance
Despite being an all-electric luxury sedan, the BMW i7 packs a punch when it comes to performance and power. So, let’s dig deeper:
In terms of range, the xDrive60 variant touches up to 625 km, while the M70 xDrive has a range of 560 km.
The Indian version of the BMW i7 comes with DC fast charging of up to 200 kW and AC charging of up to 22 kW.
When it comes to speed, the BMW i7 in India offers 544 hp and the same 0-100 km/h time of 4.7s.
How Does The BMW i7 Feel On The Wheel?
Acceleration becomes effortless in the BMW i7 electric, thanks to the instant torque powered by the dual-motor setup.
The standard BMW i7 in India comes with an Adaptive 2-axle Air Suspension and Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering).
Even after the much-sportier dynamics of the M70, the BMW i7 is more favourable for comfortable and refined cruising instead of ‘foot on the accelerator’ high-intensity driving.
In a nutshell, the BMW i7 is a large luxury sedan EV that smoothly glides, adorned in all its futuristic and elegant charm.
Pitting the BMW i7 Against Its Competitors
When compared to its competitors, like the Audi e-tron GT or the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the BMW i7 clinches a few battles and falls short in others. Here’s an overview:
Where Does BMW i7 Trump Competitors?
The BMW i7’s sound system, theatre experience, and lounge-like seating surely set it apart when it comes to rear-seat convenience and comfort.
The adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering offer a smoother ride.
Another great aspect of the BMW i7 is that it has standard AWD in all of its variants, which is not the case with competitors.
Where Does the BMW i7 Lose Out to Competitors?
The BMW i7 electric falls short of the Mercedes-Benz EQS in terms of range, which reaches up to 770 km.
The Audi e-tron GT defeats the BMW i7 in terms of speed. The former goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds! Moreover, the sportier Audi e-tron GT is lighter than the BMW i7 electric, making it more agile on the wheel.
In terms of pricing, the likes of the Audi e-tron GT and Mercedes-Benz EQS do offer slightly cheaper entry points into the luxury electric sedan segment. However, the BMW i7 does offer competitive pricing when you look at the wide variety of preferences it caters to.
So, as you go looking for more advanced features and functionality, all these luxury electric sedans will fall between the 1.8 crore and 2.5 crore range.
Is the BMW i7 bossing the luxury EV sedan segment?
When asked if the BMW i7 beats its competitors to sit on the throne in its segment, we’ve got to say it’s not that simple. First, let’s just get this out of the way: The BMW i7 masterfully combines luxury, technology, and comfort (no BMW i7 reviews will disagree with that, to be honest).
Whether it is the best-suited luxury electric sedan for you or not is a question that only you can answer for yourself. Do you want ultra-luxury seating and an unmatched passenger experience? Is ride comfort and smooth driving your priority? If you say ‘yes’ to these questions, the BMW i7 is the perfect pick.
However, if you’re looking for a sportier design and prefer speed and agility over luxury and comfort, the Audi e-tron GT or the Mercedes-Benz EQS can be slightly more appealing options. Either way, the BMW i7 is among the most luxurious electric sedans out there! And it is surely carrying forward the legacy of the BMW 7 series in the age of EVs.